Two big rigs collide on Gerald Desmond bridge, snarl Port of Long Beach traffic for hours

LONG BEACH — Two big rigs collided on the Gerald Desmond bridge Monday, causing fluids from one truck to leak and shutting down eastbound traffic for hours.

The crash, which occurred at about 3:10 p.m., caused one of two tractor trailers to suffer severe damage, and tow truck crews were still working to get the disabled vehicle off the bridge after 5 p.m., said Nancy Pratt, a Long Beach Police Department spokeswoman.

Hazmat crews were also called out to clean up the spill, she said.

The driver in the disabled truck suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene by Long Beach Fire Department paramedics, she said.

The second truck involved in the crash was able to drive off the bridge on its own, Pratt said.

The mess, however, was expected to cause traffic backup for miles.

Officers at the scene estimated the eastbound lanes should be open no later than 7 p.m.

The westbound lanes weren't shut down, but were experiencing heavy backup due to the crash, police said.

The cause of the collision remains under investigation, Pratt said Monday night.